Related Summaries

A Pennsylvania Senate committee approved a bill that would require pharmacists to notify the prescribing physician before substituting a biosimilar drug for a branded biologic drug. The measure, backed by BIO, Amgen and Genentech, goes next to the full Senate for consideration. "SB 405 will help to instill confidence in the utilization of biosimilar products among patients, physicians and pharmacists," Amgen said.

The California Assembly on Monday passed a bill that would require pharmacists to notify prescribing doctors when dispensing a biosimilar as a substitute for a biologic drug. The bill, supported by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, now goes back to the state Senate. "This is a patient-focused bill that will increase access to biologic medicines in a way that facilitates a complete and accurate medical record and manufacturer accountability," said Geoffrey Eich, Amgen's executive director for regulatory affairs.

A bill that would require pharmacists to inform prescribers when they substitute a biosimilar drug for a biologic medication was approved by a California Assembly committee. The bill, SB 598, also would prevent the substitution of biosimilars when prescriptions include a "do not substitute" direction.

BIO praised a Florida Senate committee for passing a bill that would require pharmacists to notify physicians when a biosimilar drug was substituted for a brand-name biologic. S.B. 732 has a five-year sunset clause like the law signed in Virginia last month. "Biosimilars are not generics. Even slight changes to a biologic drug can change its properties entirely. Unlike conventional generic medicines, biosimilars are not the same as the drugs they seek to substitute," the BIO statement said.